Russia Seed Market Size and Share

Russia Seed Market (2025 - 2030)
View Global Report

Russia Seed Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Russia seed market size stood at USD 1.82 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.73 billion by 2030, translating into an 8.41% CAGR over the forecast period. Momentum comes from a record USD 6.2 billion support package that channels subsidies toward domestic breeding, a sharp fall in foreign seed imports after Order No. 72, and rapid greenhouse expansion around Moscow and St. Petersburg. Domestic producers are capturing share as multinational firms localize production to comply with majority-Russian ownership rules. Uptake of drought-tolerant wheat hybrids in the Volga and Southern regions, coupled with digital traceability mandates, accelerates certified seed adoption. Currency volatility and tight farm credit temper gains, but are outweighed by contract-farming programs that guarantee seed demand for grain, oilseed, and vegetable supply chains. 

Key Report Takeaways

  • By breeding technology, hybrids held 76.2% of the Russia seed market share in 2024, and are forecast to expand at an 8.99% CAGR through 2030.
  • By cultivation mechanism, open field systems commanded a 99.9% share of the Russia seed market size in 2024, while protected cultivation is advancing at an 11.70% CAGR to 2030.
  • By crop type, row crops accounted for a 70.1% share of the Russia seed market size in 2024, and vegetables are growing at an 11.33% CAGR through 2030.
  • The market structure is fragmented, with Bayer AG, Syngenta Group, EkoNiva Group, BASF SE, and Groupe Limagrain collectively holding approximately 19% of the Russia seed market share in 2024.

Segment Analysis

By Breeding Technology: hybrids consolidate leadership

Hybrid seeds retained 76.2% Russia seed market share in 2024, and the segment is projected to expand at an 8.99% CAGR to 2030. Hybrid vigor offers reliable yield gains, particularly in corn, sunflower, and vegetables, where heterosis produces noticeable return on input spend. Domestic breeders accelerate release cycles by operating winter nurseries in Argentina and Chile, effectively doubling annual generation advancement. The Federal blockchain registry requires hybrid lots to carry unique digital IDs, deterring counterfeit activity and enhancing farmer confidence. As localization rules push multinationals to co-invest in local plants, technology transfer accelerates and broadens hybrid availability, underpinning the Russia seed market.

Non-transgenic hybrids dominate because GMO cultivation is banned, yet marker-assisted selection boosts precision without breaching regulations. Open-pollinated and derivative varieties remain relevant for cost-sensitive crops like barley and some forage species. Declining price gaps and escalating climate variability shift value toward hybrids. As protected cultivation rises, specialty greenhouse hybrids command price premiums that outweigh their minimal land share, lifting hybrid revenue contribution above acreage statistics.

Russia Seed Market: Market Share by Breeding Technology

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Cultivation Mechanism: protected systems gain revenue heft

Open field farming represented 99.9% of the planted area and therefore the bulk of the Russia seed market size in 2024. Yet protected cultivation posted 11.70% CAGR and is forecast to widen its value slice by 2030. Capital flows into high-tech glasshouses near Moscow and Leningrad reflect consumer demand for year-round fresh produce and retailers’ preference for traceable domestic supply. These facilities use disease-resistant, fast-cycling hybrids, driving seed value per hectare far above open-field norms. Seed companies respond with varieties tuned to hydroponics, low-light conditions, and compact plant architecture.

The greenhouse boom also stimulates ancillary innovations such as grafted seedlings and coated pelleted seed that ensure uniform emergence in climate-controlled systems. Subsidized energy tariffs and improved logistics further support profitability, encouraging regional authorities to replicate the model in Kazan and Novosibirsk. Despite their small footprint, protected systems’ higher unit seed prices allow them to punch above their acreage in shaping revenue flows within the Russia seed market.

By Crop Type: vegetables accelerate on import substitution

Row crops contributed 70.1% of revenue in 2024 due to vast wheat and oilseed acreages and are expected to maintain a steady share as export programs continue. Wheat, corn, sunflower, and soybean dominate volumes, while forage crops underpin livestock integration. Fiber crops such as cotton represent niche opportunities concentrated in the South. Yield-enhancing hybrids and improved agronomy keep row-crop seed demand resilient, but growth is moderate compared with specialty segments.

Vegetables registered the fastest 11.33% CAGR on the back of sanctions-driven supply gaps and protected cultivation scale-up. Tomato, cucumber, and pepper hybrids lead greenhouse orders, while open-field brassicas and root crops gain from regional self-sufficiency programs. Sugar beet seed import quotas incentivize Russian breeders to accelerate hybridization, adding another vector for vegetable segment expansion. As disposable incomes rise, supermarkets broaden fresh produce assortments, reinforcing premium seed turnover across the Russia seed market.

Russia Seed Market: Market Share by Crop Type

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

Geography Analysis

The Central and Volga federal districts jointly accounted for roughly 45% of the Russia seed market in 2024, reflecting dense grain and oilseed cultivation, proximity to crushing capacity, and streamlined logistics. Robust extension networks and higher credit penetration foster aggressive hybrid uptake, particularly in corn and sunflower. These districts also host leading breeding institutes that benefit from cluster effects and direct subsidy channels.

Southern territories, notably Krasnodar and Stavropol, posted the strongest double-digit growth thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions and early adoption of drought-tolerant wheat lines. Export-oriented farms in the region reinvest profits into certified seed and precision agriculture, setting benchmarks for national productivity. Protected cultivation hubs near Moscow and St. Petersburg supply metropolitan retailers, commanding premium margins despite limited acreage. 

Siberia and the Far East lag in certified-seed penetration due to infrastructure constraints, fragmented farm structure, and lower farmgate prices. Nevertheless, state investment in rail corridors and port terminals is expected to unlock grain export capacity, bringing larger farms and agro-holdings that favor hybrids. The blockchain traceability mandate will gradually integrate remote regions, shrinking gray-market channels and expanding the addressable base within the Russia seed market.

Competitive Landscape

The market structure is fragmented, with Bayer AG, Syngenta Group, EkoNiva Group, BASF SE, and Groupe Limagrain collectively holding approximately 19% of the Russia seed market share in 2024. Russia’s seed sector moved from importer-dominated to balanced domestic-foreign competition after import quotas and ownership rules cut foreign players’ share in 2024. Domestic firms held the highest share. EkoNiva vertically integrates breeding, multiplication, and distribution over 274,000 hectares and reported RUB 91.1 billion (USD 1.01 billion) revenue in 2024, up year on year. 

Multinationals such as Syngenta and Bayer localize processing plants and co-license lines to satisfy local-ownership clauses, preserving access to premium vegetable and corn segments. Technology competition centers on conventional molecular breeding and speed-breeding platforms because GMO routes remain off limits. Digital traceability gives first movers an edge as early compliance builds trust with retailers and lenders. Firms that invest in blockchain integration and real-time quality analytics differentiate in a market still plagued by counterfeit seed. 

Segment white-space exists in greenhouse-specific hybrids, herbal and spice crops, and gene-edited materials regulations should clarify. Ongoing currency volatility favors companies with localized input bases and strong balance sheets that can hedge import exposure. Overall, the Russia seed market exhibits moderate concentration with ample room for niche specialists focusing on unmet climatic or protected-cultivation needs.

Russia Seed Industry Leaders

  1. BASF SE

  2. Bayer AG

  3. Groupe Limagrain

  4. Syngenta Group

  5. EkoNiva Group

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Russia Seed Market
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • January 2025: The EN Beluga lentil variety, developed by the Group’s Plant Breeding and Variety Maintenance Center, will be entered into the State Register of Plant Breeding Achievements in 2025. This is EkoNiva’s first lentil variety approved for use in Russia.
  • September 2024: EkoNiva has reported its harvest campaign for cash crops spanned 274,000 hectares of the Group's farmland. This area, spanning 13 regions where the Group operates, was used for cash crops, including grasses for seed production.
  • July 2023: Enza Zaden announced that its lettuce varieties have high resistance to three Bermian races: Bl: 38EU, Bl: 39EU, and Bl: 40EU. These varieties are designed to thrive in diverse soil types while maintaining high yield potential.

Table of Contents for Russia Seed Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study
  • 1.3 Research Methodology

2. REPORT OFFERS

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Area Under Cultivation
    • 4.1.1 Row Crops
    • 4.1.2 Vegetables
  • 4.2 Most Popular Traits
    • 4.2.1 Alfalfa & Forage Corn
    • 4.2.2 Cabbage, Pumpkin & Squash
    • 4.2.3 Corn & Wheat
    • 4.2.4 Onion & Peas
    • 4.2.5 Soybean & Sunflower
  • 4.3 Breeding Techniques
    • 4.3.1 Row Crops & Vegetables
  • 4.4 Regulatory Framework
  • 4.5 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
  • 4.6 Market Drivers
    • 4.6.1 State subsidy escalation for domestic seed breeding
    • 4.6.2 Rapid uptake of drought-tolerant wheat hybrids
    • 4.6.3 Sanctions-driven import substitution of vegetable seeds
    • 4.6.4 Growth of contract farming by meat/dairy integrators
    • 4.6.5 Digital agronomy platforms boosting certified seed demand
    • 4.6.6 Expansion of protected cultivation acreage
  • 4.7 Market Restraints
    • 4.7.1 Currency volatility raising breeding input costs
    • 4.7.2 Farmers limited access to long-term credit
    • 4.7.3 Regulatory uncertainty on gene-editing approvals
    • 4.7.4 Fragmented on-farm seed saving culture among smallholders

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECAST (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 Breeding Technology
    • 5.1.1 Hybrids
    • 5.1.1.1 Non-Transgenic Hybrids
    • 5.1.2 Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
  • 5.2 Cultivation Mechanism
    • 5.2.1 Open Field
    • 5.2.2 Protected Cultivation
  • 5.3 Crop Type
    • 5.3.1 Row Crops
    • 5.3.1.1 Fiber Crops
    • 5.3.1.1.1 Cotton
    • 5.3.1.1.2 Other Fiber Crops
    • 5.3.1.2 Forage Crops
    • 5.3.1.2.1 Alfalfa
    • 5.3.1.2.2 Forage Corn
    • 5.3.1.2.3 Forage Sorghum
    • 5.3.1.2.4 Other Forage Crops
    • 5.3.1.3 Grains & Cereals
    • 5.3.1.3.1 Corn
    • 5.3.1.3.2 Rice
    • 5.3.1.3.3 Sorghum
    • 5.3.1.3.4 Wheat
    • 5.3.1.3.5 Other Grains & Cereals
    • 5.3.1.4 Oilseeds
    • 5.3.1.4.1 Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard
    • 5.3.1.4.2 Soybean
    • 5.3.1.4.3 Sunflower
    • 5.3.1.4.4 Other Oilseeds
    • 5.3.1.5 Pulses
    • 5.3.2 Vegetables
    • 5.3.2.1 Brassicas
    • 5.3.2.1.1 Cabbage
    • 5.3.2.1.2 Carrot
    • 5.3.2.1.3 Cauliflower & Broccoli
    • 5.3.2.1.4 Other Brassicas
    • 5.3.2.2 Cucurbits
    • 5.3.2.2.1 Cucumber & Gherkin
    • 5.3.2.2.2 Pumpkin & Squash
    • 5.3.2.2.3 Other Cucurbits
    • 5.3.2.3 Roots & Bulbs
    • 5.3.2.3.1 Garlic
    • 5.3.2.3.2 Onion
    • 5.3.2.3.3 Potato
    • 5.3.2.3.4 Other Roots & Bulbs
    • 5.3.2.4 Solanaceae
    • 5.3.2.4.1 Chilli
    • 5.3.2.4.2 Eggplant
    • 5.3.2.4.3 Tomato
    • 5.3.2.4.4 Other Solanaceae
    • 5.3.2.5 Unclassified Vegetables
    • 5.3.2.5.1 Peas
    • 5.3.2.5.2 Spinach
    • 5.3.2.5.3 Other Unclassified Vegetables

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Landscape
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (Includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
    • 6.4.1 Syngenta Group
    • 6.4.2 Bayer AG
    • 6.4.3 Groupe Limagrain
    • 6.4.4 Agroplazma LLC
    • 6.4.5 Enza Zaden BV
    • 6.4.6 BASF SE
    • 6.4.7 Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel BV
    • 6.4.8 Advanta Seeds (UPL Ltd.)
    • 6.4.9 Gavrish Seeds Co.
    • 6.4.10 KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
    • 6.4.11 Sakata Seeds Corporation
    • 6.4.12 Schelkovo Agrohim JSC
    • 6.4.13 EkoNiva Group
    • 6.4.14 Miratorg Agro‑Industrial Complex

7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR SEEDS CEOS

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

Russia Seed Market Report Scope

Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology. Open Field, Protected Cultivation are covered as segments by Cultivation Mechanism. Row Crops, Vegetables are covered as segments by Crop Type.
Breeding Technology
Hybrids Non-Transgenic Hybrids
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
Cultivation Mechanism
Open Field
Protected Cultivation
Crop Type
Row Crops Fiber Crops Cotton
Other Fiber Crops
Forage Crops Alfalfa
Forage Corn
Forage Sorghum
Other Forage Crops
Grains & Cereals Corn
Rice
Sorghum
Wheat
Other Grains & Cereals
Oilseeds Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard
Soybean
Sunflower
Other Oilseeds
Pulses
Vegetables Brassicas Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower & Broccoli
Other Brassicas
Cucurbits Cucumber & Gherkin
Pumpkin & Squash
Other Cucurbits
Roots & Bulbs Garlic
Onion
Potato
Other Roots & Bulbs
Solanaceae Chilli
Eggplant
Tomato
Other Solanaceae
Unclassified Vegetables Peas
Spinach
Other Unclassified Vegetables
Breeding Technology Hybrids Non-Transgenic Hybrids
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
Cultivation Mechanism Open Field
Protected Cultivation
Crop Type Row Crops Fiber Crops Cotton
Other Fiber Crops
Forage Crops Alfalfa
Forage Corn
Forage Sorghum
Other Forage Crops
Grains & Cereals Corn
Rice
Sorghum
Wheat
Other Grains & Cereals
Oilseeds Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard
Soybean
Sunflower
Other Oilseeds
Pulses
Vegetables Brassicas Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower & Broccoli
Other Brassicas
Cucurbits Cucumber & Gherkin
Pumpkin & Squash
Other Cucurbits
Roots & Bulbs Garlic
Onion
Potato
Other Roots & Bulbs
Solanaceae Chilli
Eggplant
Tomato
Other Solanaceae
Unclassified Vegetables Peas
Spinach
Other Unclassified Vegetables
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Market Definition

  • Commercial Seed - For the purpose of this study, only commercial seeds have been included as part of the scope. Farm-saved Seeds, which are not commercially labeled are excluded from scope, even though a minor percentage of farm-saved seeds are exchanged commercially among farmers. The scope also excludes vegetatively reproduced crops and plant parts, which may be commercially sold in the market.
  • Crop Acreage - While calculating the acreage under different crops, the Gross Cropped Area has been considered. Also known as Area Harvested, according to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), this includes the total area cultivated under a particular crop across seasons.
  • Seed Replacement Rate - Seed Replacement Rate is the percentage of area sown out of the total area of crop planted in the season by using certified/quality seeds other than the farm-saved seed.
  • Protected Cultivation - The report defines protected cultivation as the process of growing crops in a controlled environment. This includes greenhouses, glasshouses, hydroponics, aeroponics, or any other cultivation system that protects the crop against any abiotic stress. However, cultivation in an open field using plastic mulch is excluded from this definition and is included under open field.
Keyword Definition
Row Crops These are usually the field crops which include the different crop categories like grains & cereals, oilseeds, fiber crops like cotton, pulses, and forage crops.
Solanaceae These are the family of flowering plants which includes tomato, chili, eggplants, and other crops.
Cucurbits It represents a gourd family consisting of about 965 species in around 95 genera. The major crops considered for this study include Cucumber & Gherkin, Pumpkin and squash, and other crops.
Brassicas It is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family. It includes crops such as carrots, cabbage, cauliflower & broccoli.
Roots & Bulbs The roots and bulbs segment includes onion, garlic, potato, and other crops.
Unclassified Vegetables This segment in the report includes the crops which don’t belong to any of the above-mentioned categories. These include crops such as okra, asparagus, lettuce, peas, spinach, and others.
Hybrid Seed It is the first generation of the seed produced by controlling cross-pollination and by combining two or more varieties, or species.
Transgenic Seed It is a seed that is genetically modified to contain certain desirable input and/or output traits.
Non-Transgenic Seed The seed produced through cross-pollination without any genetic modification.
Open-Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives Open-pollinated varieties produce seeds true to type as they cross-pollinate only with other plants of the same variety.
Other Solanaceae The crops considered under other Solanaceae include bell peppers and other different peppers based on the locality of the respective countries.
Other Brassicaceae The crops considered under other brassicas include radishes, turnips, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
Other Roots & Bulbs The crops considered under other roots & bulbs include Sweet Potatoes and cassava.
Other Cucurbits The crops considered under other cucurbits include gourds (bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, Snake gourd, and others).
Other Grains & Cereals The crops considered under other grains & cereals include Barley, Buck Wheat, Canary Seed, Triticale, Oats, Millets, and Rye.
Other Fibre Crops The crops considered under other fibers include Hemp, Jute, Agave fibers, Flax, Kenaf, Ramie, Abaca, Sisal, and Kapok.
Other Oilseeds The crops considered under other oilseeds include Ground nut, Hempseed, Mustard seed, Castor seeds, safflower seeds, Sesame seeds, and Linseeds.
Other Forage Crops The crops considered under other forages include Napier grass, Oat grass, White clover, Ryegrass, and Timothy. Other forage crops were considered based on the locality of the respective countries.
Pulses Pigeon peas, Lentils, Broad and horse beans, Vetches, Chickpeas, Cowpeas, Lupins, and Bambara beans are the crops considered under pulses.
Other Unclassified Vegetables The crops considered under other unclassified vegetables include Artichokes, Cassava Leaves, Leeks, Chicory, and String beans.
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question

Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases, and Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF